Ocean City recently celebrated its annual Pageant Week, crowning the new Miss Ocean City, Taylor Mulford. The week included various beauty pageants such as the Miss Crustacean Beauty Pageant, Little Miss Ocean City Pageant, and Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant.
The Miss Crustacean Beauty Pageant, a unique tradition, showcased hermit crabs competing for the coveted Cucumber Rind Cup on August 14. Families, kids, businesses, and organizations participated by entering their crustaceans in the competition. The event featured the hermit crabs displayed in elaborately themed dioramas, promoting responsible ownership of these creatures. The winner had the opportunity to travel a flowery runway to claim its reign. Following the pageant, the annual Hermit Crab Races took place, with the fastest crustaceans competing for the top prize. Both events were free to watch or join.
The Little Miss Ocean City Pageant took place on August 16, featuring girls aged 8 to 11 competing in talent and other categories. The reigning Little Miss Stella Fleming crowned her successor at the conclusion of the pageant. Similarly, the Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant happened on August 17, where contestants aged 12 to 15 competed in various categories. The reigning Junior Miss Ocean City 2024, Sarah Avellino, crowned her successor after a year of service. Both pageants featured contestants who were either year-round residents in Ocean City, attended Ocean City High School, or were daughters of Ocean City property owners.
Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss Ocean City, and Little Miss Ocean City serve as ambassadors for the City of Ocean City at various events throughout the year, such as Night in Venice, Pamper Scamper, Baby Parade, Christmas Parade, Wacky Wednesday activities, and more. The Little Miss Ocean City’s theme in 2023 was “School’s in Session.”
In addition to the pageants, Ocean City also hosted other events throughout the week. The rescheduled open house at the Ocean City Fishing Club pier allowed the public to tour the private pier, encouraging visitors to bring non-perishable foods or make cash donations to benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard. The Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops presented the hit musical “Grease,” featuring recognizable hits like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightnin’.”
Upcoming events in Ocean City include a concert by the Eli Young Band on August 21 and a Green Fair on August 16, aimed at promoting sustainability and educating attendees on energy efficiency. Additionally, other events like Star Wars & Beyond and The Machine Performs Pink Floyd will take place at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Ocean City continues to offer a diverse range of events and activities for residents and visitors alike, showcasing the community’s vibrant spirit and commitment to entertainment and sustainability.